by Hardeep Singh (hsingh6005@gmail.com)
On March 23rd , Access Life America organized Bollywood Beats 2019 – a musical event to promote their efforts of providing support to children and their families, who are fighting against cancer. One of the biggest challenge faced by patient families, is getting a hygienic accommodation in highly costly city of Mumbai, during the treatment. These families come to Mumbai for treatment, from remote parts of India and find it very expensive and strenuous to find a sterile place to stay. Access Life provides temporary accommodation at their six locations in Mumbai India, where these families are given home-like environment and facilitates other logistical challenges to improve the quality of life of these children by providing practical support services, educations resources and recreational programs.
Girish Nair and Ankeet Dave started Access Life (India) mission in 2014 and then Gopal Nair, Parvinder Singh and Rajesh Veliyath expanded Access Life America in 2015. The first center was at Chembur, with arrangement of 8 families to stay. Then second center was started in summers of 2016 at Thane, Mumbai and third center was started in winters of 2016 in Andheri. Today there are 6 centers spread across Mumbai suburbs and 5 transport vans to transport patients. 57 kids and caretakes stay at any given time in these 6 centers. Total of 430 patients have stayed at ALA centers till date. Yoga classes are conducted regularly along with daily meditation.
In year 2018, two new programs were initiated: 1st a Nutrition Therapy for young adults in Tata Memorial Hospital and 2nd is Hygiene kits distribution. 193 kits have been distributed in Wadia, Sion and SRCC Hospitals.
ALA’s youth chapter does volunteer work with local communities like Atlanta Ronald McDonald House of Charities, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Meals by Grace and the Drake House. Youth chapter will be facilitating 2nd Gold Ribbon Strides 5k Run/Walk even in Wills Park, Alpharetta on April 28th, 2019.
Bollywood Beats 2019 was inaugurated by Pratt Vemana, Chief Product and Experience Officer, HomeDepot. The event was held at Mountain View High School, Lawrenceville GA. Various local singers, musicians and dance groups participated and supported the event, which is their way to contribute towards the noble cause.
The cost to support the stay of 1 child and the family is $ 287 per month, which is cost towards to lodging, transportation, food and even tickets back to their home town. Nutritional Therapy costs $1400 per month and Hygiene Kits cost $1000 per month.
Access Life America (https://www.accesslifeamerica.org) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Access Life promotes the spirit of Pay It Forward. It is building a caring community by facilitating sharing resources.